The spotty rain made a potential zoo trip this afternoon impossible at worst and a bad idea at best. So we stayed home, with the shutters wide to let in as much natural light as possible on a grey day. It seems colder outside than it actually looks, though, but it is surely because of the damp. A carrot cake is in my oven and the pizza man is on his way. The sun is setting, I’m sure, but there is no way I can see it beyond the dark clouds. No California sunset tonight, just a steadily deepening sky.
And we are warm and dry inside tonight. We are aware of the blessings in this home, even though the terrible-twos are racing through here like a train and the toddler seems manic in her affection or repulsion. The emotional outbursts of a six-year old girl are events in their own right and she wavers between giggles and distraught hysteria almost by the minute. We are united as a family in our love for one another, even with the sometimes frenzy.
We are inside, and warm, and will sleep on clean sheets in safe beds tonight. We can lock our doors and cozy together under blankets to watch a funny movie or just listen to the rain.
We are reminded that there are so many people who don’t have warm places and don’t have safe beds. We are reminded that others don’t share our peace and our blessings. We are reminded, simply watching the rain, and we explain this to our daughter who is old enough to understand this. Her face darkens a little, like the sky, and she says…
We ARE blessed, aren’t we?
Yes, we are. And it makes me wonder how we can remain aware of this, as well as teach her to be present in her own blessings as well.
Be thankful, and be present; be aware of the warmth even when it feels like your second skin.
Great post, Sarah. Love hearing what your girls say.
John came home on our rainy Friday and told me he had heard a story on NPR, told by someone who used to be homeless. It was his own story, and in it, he described the unimaginable misery of a rainy day for those without shelter.
He went on to tell his listeners that he is NOT homeless anymore, and nothing brings him joy like the simple feel of KEYS in his pocket.
They represent something to him – a reminder that he has a safe, dry, warm place to return to.
John said he thought about that for the rest of the day.
Your post reminded me of that…
another moment to stop and be grateful for things easily taken for granted.
Thanks.
oh the carrot cake sounds yummy, especially with a bit of cream cheese frosting
)
all the simple things that we need to be thankful for, be reminded that we are blessed to have a roof over our heads, food on the table, clothes on our backs – such a great reminder to be daily grateful for the little things and a good lesson for the kids.
Sounds like a nice afternoon, eventhough you didn’t get to make it to the zoo. HOpe you enjoyed the pizza and carrot cake….Yes, we are blessed & thank you for reminding me of this everyday.
dearest daughter…
this post reminds me of the time (you were 2 or 3) when you were listening to your mom & me discussing maybe being able to buy a house (on a yfc salary).
When you asked what we were talking about, I said,Honey, if God is good to us…we can move into a house.”
In your best little teaching voice…you said, “God is good NOW, Daddy!”
you were SO right…
all my love…dad
What a wonderful reminder of thankfulness. Sounds like you all enjoyed each other’s company. And that is what it is all about.
Great post!